2 Samuel 20:5-10 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:4-13

We have here Amasa's fall just as he began to rise. He was nephew to David (2 Sam. 17:25), had been Absalom's general and commander-in-chief of his rebellious army, but, that being routed, he came over into David's interest, upon a promise that he should be general of his forces instead of Joab. Sheba's rebellion gives David an occasion to fulfil his promise sooner than he could wish, but Joab's envy and emulation rendered its fulfillment of ill consequence both to him and David. I. Amasa has... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:5

So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah ,.... To gather, them together out of their several tribes, and bring them to Jerusalem: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him : than the three days; whether this was owing to the remissness of Amasa, or the unwillingness of the people to serve under him, who had been Absalom's general in the late rebellion, or not having time sufficient allowed him, is not certain. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:6

And David said to Abishai ,.... For it seems he would have nothing to say to Joab, being displeased with him for slaying Absalom, and having removed him from his posts; and therefore speaks to the next officer in his army, Abishai; though Josephus F16 Antiqu. l. 7. c. 11. sect. 6. says, he addressed himself to Joab, contrary to the express words of the text: now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom ; gain a greater party, and give more trouble to subdue... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:7

And there went out after him Joab's men ,.... Who though he was removed from his post as general, yet might still have the command of a regiment: and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites ; over whom Benaiah was, 2 Samuel 20:23 ; these attended David in his flight, and had now returned with him, 2 Samuel 15:18 , and all the mighty men ; the military men that were at Jerusalem as many as could be spared: and they went out of Jerusalem to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri ;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:8

When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon ,.... Which, according to Josephus F18 Antiqu. l. 7. c. 11. sect. 7. , was forty furlongs, or five miles from Jerusalem: what this great stone was, whether an obelisk, or what, is not certain; one of the greatest stones we read of was that which Semiramis cut out of the mountains of Armenia, which was an hundred thirty feet long, and twenty five broad and thick F19 Diodor. Sic. l. 2. p. 100. Vid. ib. p. 53. Herodot. Euterpe,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:9

And Joab said to Amasa ,.... In a friendly manner, with all the air of pleasantry and good humour: art thou in health, my brother ? this looked like a friendly salutation to ask of his health, and wish him it, and a loving appellation to call him brother; though they were near of kin, sisters' children, and so own cousins; thus he addressed him, to cover his design: and Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him : as was usual for the eastern people to do when... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:10

But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand ,.... In his left hand, for with his right hand he took him by the beard; he might see the sword drop out of the scabbard, and Joab take it up, which he supposed he did in order to put it into its sheath again, having no suspicion of his wicked design, and therefore not at all upon his guard to prevent it: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib ; in the same place where Abner smote Asahel, and Joab Abner; See Gill on 2... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 20:8

Joab ' s garment - It appears that this was not a military garment; and that Joab had no arms but a short sword, which he had concealed in his girdle; and this sword, or knife, was so loose in its sheath that it could be easily drawn out. It is thought farther, that Joab, in passing to Amasa, stumbled, (for so some of the versions, and able critics, understand the words it fell out). and that the sword fell down when he stumbled; that he took it up with his left hand as if he had no bad... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 20:10

In the fifth rib - I believe חמש chomesh , which we render here and elsewhere the fifth rib, means any part of the abdominal region. The Septuagint translate it την ψοαν , the groin; the Targum, the right side of the thigh, i.e., (the phrase of the Targumist being interpreted), the privy parts. That it means some part of the abdominal region, is evident from what follows, And shed out his bowels to the ground. It appears from this that, in plain English, he ripped up his belly. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:1-13

The facts are: 1 . Among the men who discuss the question of priority with Judah is a worthless man named Sheba, and he raises the cry of revolt against David, and the men of Israel follow him, while those of Judah cleave to the king. 2 . David enters his house and makes arrangement for the sustenance of his concubines, who henceforth live in virtual widowhood. 3 . David, observing that Amasa was tardy in executing his orders to gather the men of Judah, directs Abishai to go out... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:4-13

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:6

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:7

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:9

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:10

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 20:8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 20:10

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 20:1-13

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